Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada outlines home-repair programs, says three Fernley projects complete

Katie Pace, a consultant with Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada, told the Fernley Senior Citizens Advisory Committee that the nonprofit’s mission is “repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives,” and described program eligibility and typical repairs offered at no cost to qualified homeowners.

Pace said the organization operates nationally through local chapters and follows a safe-and-healthy checklist. Programs include a safe-at-home initiative (smoke and CO2 detectors), a fall-prevention program (grab bars, ramps, lighting) and a critical-home program for plumbing, electrical, flooring, carpentry and HVAC repairs. She said the group hires and vets contractors, requiring Nevada contractor licenses and appropriate insurance.

On eligibility, Pace said homeowners must own and occupy the property, plan to remain in it for at least two years after repairs, have been the owner for at least one year, keep mortgage and HOA/space-rent payments current, maintain property taxes and carry homeowners insurance. The program collects gross monthly income for all household members 18 and older and requires standard documentation such as driver’s licenses, benefit letters, pay stubs, mortgage or deed and two months of bank statements. Pace told the committee that Lyon County’s HUD income limit for a one-person household is $53,000 and that Rebuilding Together generally targets households at or below 80% of area median income, veterans, older adults and people living with disabilities.

Pace said Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada has completed three projects in the Fernley area, has one underway and has been in contact with 15 additional households that were ineligible for various reasons. She described outreach methods as largely referral- and word-of-mouth-based, with Lyon County Health and Human Services serving as a frequent referral partner.

Committee members asked detailed questions about assets and eligibility. Pace said the homeowner’s primary residence is not counted as an asset and that the organization uses a lenient formula for counting other assets. She offered to provide brochures, a fall-prevention pamphlet and materials for the committee’s newsletter and senior resource guide.

The committee did not take formal action on funding or a partnership during the meeting; Pace said state Housing Division funding that enabled work in some counties will end in 2027 and that Rebuilding Together is seeking additional grants to continue services in Lyon County.